Education History
Yong received his MS and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1999 and 2002, respectively, and his BS degree in Electrical Power Engineering from Tsinghua University in 1996. He also received a Certificate of Technology Commercialization from The Ohio State University and The Ohio Department of Higher Education through the I-Corps@Ohio program in 2017.
Teaching
Yong teaches a broad portfolio of computer science and engineering courses that include entry-level computer programming courses on Java/C++, as well as advanced courses on distributed/mobile/cloud/sensory computing. He also participates in cross-disciplinary course offerings, such as applied business, technology entrepreneurship and graduate medical educations. Among his latest innovations in engineering and computer science education is the "Friday Project Cracking", an NSF I-Corps style project experience embedded in both undergraduate and graduate classes. (Watch sample video demo from the final pitch deck presentations of student teams: AR Story Book, A-SL and DrummAR.)
Research Statement
Yong engages in both basic and applied researches in Human-AI Teaming, distributed collaborations, AIOps, AI/ML/NLP/CV, AR/VR/XR, HCI, IUX, serious games, mobile and sensory technologies, and etc. His research intends to help address real-world challenges through creative applications of technologies that provide effective, scalable and sustainable solutions. His ultimate goal is to bring real-world opportunities and experiences in various industries to help prepare and develop Computer Science and Engineering students into first caliber problem solvers.
Yong actively participates in transdisciplinary researches in Art, Aviation, Cyber, Education, Finance, Medicine, Smart Cities, Transportation, and etc. He collaborates closely with subject matter experts from WSU Boonshoft School of Medicine, College of Nursing and Health, College of Education and Human Services, School of Music, The Eastman School of Music, The New World Symphony, Kettering Health Networks, Premier Health, UC Health, Dayton VA Medical Center, Dayton Entrepreneur Center and other local industries.
Yong’s researches are sponsored by federal and state agencies such as DoD, HHS AHRQ, HHS CMS, HHS SAMHSA, NSF, Ohio Federal Research Networks, Ohio Development Services Agency, Ohio Dept. of Medicaid, Ohio Dept. of Higher Education, as well as industry partners.
Research Advising
Yong has resumed active research advising starting July 2026 upon returning to CS faculty after completing 4 years of services as the Chair of the Department of Computer Science at Kennesaw State University.
Previously from 2016 to 2022, over 70 students (PhD dissertation, MS thesis, MS Cyber projects, graduate independent studies, undergraduate research experience, and etc.) have graduated from the SMART Lab directed by Yong at Wright State University. His students have started successful careers in various academia, industry and government organizations, e.g., Amazon, AT&T, Cerner, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Northrop Grumman, Qualcomm, Sogeti, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Walmart Labs, WPAFB, etc.
Recently directed dissertation, thesis and cyber projects:
Ashutosh Shivakumar, PhD dissertation, “Computer Enabled Interventions to Communication and Behavioral Problems in Collaborative Work Environments”, 2022
Sindhu Kumari, MS thesis, “Realistic Virtual Human Character Design Strategy and Experience for Supporting Serious Role-Playing Simulations on Mobile Devices”, 2022
Raveendra Medaramitta, MS thesis, “Evaluating the Performance of Using Speaker Diarization for Speech Separation of In-Person Role-Play Dialogues”, 2021
Neha Priyadarshani, MS thesis, “Content Adaption and Design in Mobile Learning of Wind Instrument”, 2021
Christopher Rave, MS thesis, “Edge Processing of Image for UAS Sense and Avoidance”, 2021
Nick Speranza, PhD dissertation, “Adaptive Two-Stage Edge-Centric Architecture for Deeply-Learned Embedded Real-Time Target Classification in Aerospace Sense-and-Avoidance Applications”, 2021.
Derek Desentz, MS thesis, “Partial Facial Re-Imaging Using Generative Adversarial Networks”, 2021.
Xavian Ogletree, MS thesis, “Human-AI Teaming for Dynamic Interpersonal Skill Training”, 2021.
Aishwarya Bositty, MS thesis, “Development of Real-Time Systems for Supporting Collaborations in Distributed Human and Machine Teams”, 2020.
Aman Ali Pogaku, MS thesis, “Leveraging blockchain to mitigate the risk of counterfeit microelectronics in its supply chain”, 2019
Lahari Surapaneni, MS thesis, "Design and Development of an Immersive Simulation for Social Determinants of Health Training”, 2019
Miteshkumar M. Vasoya, PhD dissertation, “Improving Operating Room Utilization through Distributed Scheduling Workflow and Automation”, 2019
Sankalp Mishra, MS thesis, “Use of Virtual Reality Technology in Medical Training and Patient Rehabilitation”, 2019
Saurabh Shukla, MS thesis, “Development of a human-AI teaming based mobile language learning solution for dual language learners in early and special educations”, 2018
Barry Pfaff, MS thesis, “Overwhelming the SAA System of Delivery UAVs by Drone Swarming”, 2018
Subhadra Tummalapally, MS thesis, “Augment the Multi-Modal Interaction Capabilities of HoloLens Through Networked Sensory Devices”, 2018
Soumya Chiday, MS thesis, “Developing a Kinect Based Holoportation System”, 2018
Glenn Sean Morrison, MS thesis, “Threats and Mitigation of DDoS Cyberattacks Against the U.S. Power Grid via EV Charging”, 2018
Swathi Pamidi, MS thesis, "Development of an iOS App for Learning Intonation of Wind Instruments", 2018
Yogesh Chavan, MS thesis, "Portable Motion Lab for Diagnostic and Rehabilitation Processes", 2017
Imen Mbarek Kasrani, MS thesis, "Development Of A Performance Assessment System For Language Learning", 2017
Anka Babu Billa, MS thesis, “Development of an Ultra-Portable Non-Contact Wound Measurement System”, 2017
Brian Eckerly, MS cyber project, "Cyber Security of Interfaces between Smart Electric Vehicles and the Power Grid", 2017
Sowmya Pappu, MS thesis, "Development Of An Android Based Performance Assessment System For Motivational Interviewing Training", 2017
Ashutosh Shivakumar, MS thesis, "Smart EV Charging For Improved Sustainable Mobility", 2017
Andrew J. McNutt, MS thesis, “Model Preparation And User Interface Aspects For Microsoft Hololens Medical Tutorial Applications”, 2017.
Dhruvkumar Navinchandra Patel, MS thesis, "Miniatured Inertial Motion and Position Tracking and Visualization Systems Using Android Wear Platform", 2016
Rutvik Bharatkumar Patel, MS thesis, “Cost and Space Effective Range of Motion and Gait Analysis”, 2016
Megha Dattatrey Dalvi, MS thesis, “Customizable 3-D Virtual GI Tract Systems for Locating, Mapping and Navigation Inside Human Gastrointestinal Tract”, 2016
Krishna Chaithanya Mathi, MS thesis, “Augment HoloLens’ Body Recognition and Tracking Capabilities Using Kinect”, 2016
Chad M. Murphy, MS cyber project, "Application Layer Firewall – Internet Calendaring and Scheduling", 2016
Steven B. Mahurin, MS cyber project, "SMIMEEncrypt: Automatic Encrypting Mail Gateway Module", 2016
Purumandla Sai Harin Kumar Reddy, MS cyber project, “GUI based Firewall Control”, 2016
Kristin Warren, MS cyber project, "Reverse Engineering and Obfuscating Java Code", 2016
Jennafer Sparks, MS cyber project, "Reverse Engineering and Obfuscating Java Code", 2016
Venkatamanikanta Subrahmanyakartheek Gokavarapu, MS thesis, “Computer Graphics and Visualization based Analysis and Record System for Hand Surgery and Therapy Practices”, 2016
Awards/Recognition
Received media coverages in American Inno, NPR, US News & World Report, New York Times, Washington Post, VOA, ABC, CBS, NBC, Dayton Daily News, Dayton Business Journal, and etc.
Top prize, Ohio Opioid Technology Challenge - Idea Phase, a world-wide competition for innovative technology ideas to fight the opioid crisis, Jan. 2018.
Ohio Collegiate Venture Showcase, one of 4 student/faculty teams selected from universities across Ohio, Sep. 2017.